8. SAVE THE CHEF….
"Waow, you're in top shape this week, Man !"
"You bet I am ! Things have been turning great lately !"
"I can tell ! Given your implication in work, that's easy to see ! And what has been so positive in your life these days, uh ?"
"Well…"
Oh, and before going to bed…
"… to be honest…"
…I wanna offer you something…
"…I've spent a very nice evening recently…"
…to thank you for your support…
"… and that boosted my mood, you know !"
…during those three days.
And the second cook got a dreamy look right under the amused and curious look of the first cook, as he recalled... those soft… warm lips… pressing on his skin… and remaining there… for long, long seconds…
She kissed me…
He stopped for a minute, staring absent-mindedly at the ceiling.
She kissed me…
His arms slowly lowered.
She said she knew… and that so did she…
He beatifically smiled up at the rafters.
"Hey, Man, careful ! You're gonna burn the sauté !"
Yusaku's scream abruptly pulled Ryoga from his reverie : he jolted, his head shot down and he yelled at the now-profusely-steaming vegetables in the wok.
"Crap crap crap !"
Yusaku goggled… and burst out laughing !
"Jeez, Pal, you're such a show when you really want to !"
"Come on, Yus', that ain't funny ! Almost burned it, you know !"
Which doubled the laughter of the hefty cook, who slammed his hand on the countertop in a vain effort to contain his howling laughter.
In the end, he found himself wiping the tears off his eyes.
"Don't overdo it, Yus'…" teasingly said the Bandana Boy, as he carefully stirred his "wokful" of veggies.
"Hey, what can I say, you can be so funny at times, Man !" the other justified himself. "Ok, now, back to serious. What was it that made you so distracted that you almost burnt your first dish, uh ?"
Ryoga hesitated.
"Oh, c'mon, Buddy… coz we're buddies, no ? Bring it on ! I wanna know what's on your mind !" A pause. "Although… I think I already have an idea…" he said with a smirk.
That caught the attention of his fellow cook, who was busy reducing fire under the wok and briskly looked up at the beefy guy across from him.
"R…Really ?"
The other one briefly interrupted his current task and leaned forward, still smirking, eyes half-closed.
"One of these two girls who've been around quite a few times, eh ? I'd bet on the girl with the red hair. She's cuter than the other one, and that time when I returned from break and you were bringing them their dishes, that girl was clearly more cheerful and chatty than the other…"
He leaned even more forward.
"…and to be honest, she couldn't take her eyes off you !"
"What ?!"
Yuaku resumed the preparation of his own dish, laughing loudly once again.
"Jeez, stop pulling my leg, Yus' !"
The bulky man's laughter came to an end and he intently observed his younger cooking partner.
"I wasn't, Ryoga. Not this time. I'm serious : she never looked away from you, not even for a second. I didn't look so much at the other girl, but the one with the red hair was clearly under your spell, trust me. I saw it ! I'm just a cook, and not too bright, alright, but eyes still work very well, thank you !"
She was… under my spell…
He was zoning out again, smile back on the lips.
And now… I'm under hers !
/
Mr. Takahashi put the receiver back in its place and stared at it pensively.
But his expression was not just thoughtful.
It was sad.
Luck had just turned its back on him, and the respite he had been granted had ultimately "expired".
It was trying enough to lose, but being forced to share the bad news with people he liked and cared for… that would be the most painful. The hardest part.
But there was no avoiding it : he had to inform them.
He asked Ataru if he could exceptionally stay longer that evening, after the last customers had left, and once the two cooks had finished their tasks…
"Sit down, please."
The three young employees cautiously observed their elderly employer.
"Is there anything wrong, Mr. Takahashi ?" asked a suddenly worried Ryoga.
The old man briefly closed his eyes, gathering his courage… and took the plunge.
"I never told any of you about this, but I had to borrow money in order to get this restaurant started. I managed to reimburse almost all of it and have one last creditor, whom I will soon have finished paying back, and will then be fully cleared of all pending debts. In other words, I won't owe money to anyone anymore. But…"
He sighed.
"…But that last creditor doesn't want to wait any longer. He just told me on the phone that he has been patient enough and demands the rest of the money without further delay. I've been paying him regularly and he never complained up to now, yet this time… he gave me an ultimatum : I must have the remaining fee ready for Friday, or else… he'll have this place shut down ! He is influential and has connections with the mayor's office, so he has the power to get it done."
"Boss… that bigwig… it's not a criminal, eh ? Not one from the Mob ?" almost indignantly questioned Yusaku.
"As far as I know, he isn't. But he's an influent entrepreneur, and someone like that can do things that others can't. No need to be in touch with criminals to have such power : rich men have a certain ascendance…"
Ataru asked the crucial question : "How much do you still owe him ?"
"200'000 yen. It's all that remains. I'm pretty sure that it could be reimbursed in two or three more months, but that man cannot wait… or rather : he doesn't want to ! I must give him that amount on Friday if I want to save the restaurant…and your jobs, of course. We might currently have around 30'000, more or less, so there's still about 170'000 to pay… Where will I find that money ?"
"We can help you with this, Mr Takahashi !" exclaimed Ryoga. "Yusaku, Ataru and me could lend you part of the money, and then… what about asking your bank for a loan ?"
But the elderly man alas shook his head.
"Unfortunately, that's not possible. I already borrowed from them, and they were patient enough to let me reimburse the full amount they had lent me, and even exceptionally extended the reimbursement period for me. But they told me they wouldn't be able to lend me more money for some time, because of loan rules. So I sadly cannot ask the bank for help, this time…"
"We'll help you the best we can !" Yusaku announced on a firm tone.
"Yes, we will. And we'll have to think of a way to get the remaining amount." Ataru added.
"There has to be a way !" Ryoga concluded, looking up and clenching his right fist, enraged by the sudden difficulties and the limited period of time at their disposal – only four days !
There has to be a goddamn way…
/
"You're not hungry, Ryoga ?"
He looked up from the rice he was picking at and smiled at the gentle woman.
"Not as much as usual, Kasumi. I'm afraid I'm feeling pretty tired this evening. A lot to take care of at work, and that's why I don't feel like eating much. Sorry. But your food is still excellent, thank you !"
She smiled at the compliment.
"Well, eat what you can or want, it will be fine. And in case you'd feel hungry later on tonight, you'll just have to check in the fridge, alright ?"
He nodded, still smiling… and forced himself to put more into his stomach, not willing to raise suspicion… although he dreaded that it was already too late : the way Ranma and Akane were observing him told him so.
"Is everything alright at work ?" asked the first one.
"Yeah, sure. It's just that sometimes, we have more work, depending on the days…"
She stared a bit longer at him and noticed his gulping as he watched her… and his quickly resuming eating right after he did…
Gulping… a typical gesture of uneasiness… and he looked away immediately after…
Ranma sensed that something was off, and then a third detail struck her : Ryoga hadn't uttered a single word during dinner. He had answered one or two questions – notably the usual one about how his day had been – but had not willingly said anything.
There had to be something going on.
She dearly hoped her secret love wasn't in serious trouble… and that worry kept her blue eyes lost in the vague.
After dinner, as usual, the two "R" isolated themselves on the roof for meditation, and while both of them were clearly restless, they managed to carry out their session of inward focus successfully, breathing deeply, leaving worries aside… until the end of the session.
As the latter came :
"You know that I trust you, Ryoga. And I know you reciprocally do."
He nodded and waited, part curious part apprehensive.
"So, since we both trust each other… I kindly ask you to confide to me. I could tell you felt uneasy during dinner, and I want… no, I NEED to know what's troubling you, and how I can help !"
The red-haired beauty didn't add anything, staring at him pleadingly.
He sighed, then put his hands on her shoulders.
"You're right. If we care that much for each other, we must share everything. So… here it is, Ranma."
And he told her the bare truth.
"Oh no ! No ! Not when you've finally found a job !" she deplored. "I can't let that happen ! I won't let that happen ! 200'000 yen, you said ? I have to check something… but I will help you, Ryoga ! Be sure of that !"
"Ranma, you won't… give me part of your savings, will you ? Because I can't accept it ! You need it for your future !"
"Not only will I give it to you, but you will accept it ! I want you to, and I beg you to ! You NEED that money, you need all that you can gather, so please accept it. Accept my help."
Her part insistent part pleading stare "defeated" his last hesitations.
I don't feel like accepting her savings, because she will need it later on… but she would be hurt if I refused… and after all, it's a proof of love to help your Dear One, and also a proof of love to accept that help…
A long sigh.
"Alright, Ranma. I accept… but don't give me too much, keep enough for you, in case you need side money one of these days. And I'll pay you back as soon as I can."
"It's ok, Ryoga. Money is secondary in life. The happiness of the ones you love matters much much more. And I'll do all I can to make you happy."
She had been thinking that last sentence several times… but it was the first time she voiced it aloud… and moreover in front of the very one it was addressed to !
"Thank you, Ranma !"
"My pleasure, Darling !"
That also was new… first time she uttered it.
She put her hand to her cheek, feeling the latter heat up in no time.
"Uh, I… I didn't mean…"
"It's fine, my dear Ranma. Since yesterday evening, we know what we feel for each other. You asked me not to say those Three Sacred Words before my birthday, and I'll respect your wishes… but we know these words, and we can say any other words we want. 'Darling' is more than welcome."
And, walking forward, then opening up his arms, he wrapped her for the first time in his warm embrace.
That evening was the one for several "first times"…
The petite woman hugged him back tightly, nuzzling on his chest, so close to his heart… which she distinctly heard, as his heartbeats had suddenly increased in intensity.
How I've longed for this… I'm so happy… my Ryoga…
They remained snuggled to each other for minutes and deeply enjoyed every second.
Magic does exist, in a way, and this was a magical instant.
When they parted, both were flushes, and their hearts madly thumped as emotion overwhelmed them.
"I… well, I won't say it, as we said we wouldn't just yet…. But I… I care immensely for you, Ryoga…"
"So do I, Ranma…"
He leaned forward and gently kissed her forehead, leaving his lips on her skin for quite some time, just like she had been the previous night…
/
She didn't like to have to do that, but necessity knows no law, and sometimes, what must be done… MUST be done.
Knock knock !
The door opened on a slightly surprised face.
"Hey Ranma ! What's up ?"
"I have a problem… well, not me, but I'm trying to help, and… I'll need your help in turn."
"Sure, come in."
Once they were both inside, the redhead explained it all to the other girl, whose eyes grew wider when she heard what it was all about.
"…and that's why I need your helping hand, Nabiki !" concluded the shorter woman.
The cunning bob-cut girl smirked.
"That's kind of rare that you ask me for assistance, my dear Ranma…" (this almost made her interlocutor cringe, as the latter formula was kinda reserved to her dear Ryoga now…) "But if I'm begged for aid, I can't decently refuse, can I ?" (the other one almost rose a brow at that, given that she hadn't been "begging", but merely asking…) "So, let's see : how much do you need, or do you think you'll need ?"
"Hum… Mr Takahashi, Ryoga's boss, said that the restaurant might currently have around 30'000 yen of cash… which leaves 170'000 to provide. Three employees – Ryoga, Yusaku and… Ataru, I think – will check how much they can afford to lend to Mr Takahashi, and I will give all I can to Ryoga. I don't know yet how much that will be. So… I can't tell you just now. But I'll do my best to have that info available by tomorrow afternoon, after I've spoken to Ryoga, and I'll get back to you."
Nabiki nodded, still smirking.
"Right. But anyway… I'm already on some event that will bring in quite some cash. You see, one of my best friends is having her birthday party on Thursday, and together with our other common friend Akiko, I've organized a karaoke at the Santé Bar (1), in the evening. You know, that popular bar where they sometimes hold karaoke contests and other similar fun stuff, about 20 to 25 minutes away from here."
The blue-eyed female nodded.
"Well, this time, people will have to pay to watch it - we agreed on a price of 2'000 yen, which is affordable for as many as possible - and since some very pretty girls will be singing, there'll be a huge crowd, therefore a large income… which we will use, Akiko and I, to buy my friend her birthday present."
"Alright, but why are you telling me all that, Nabiki ?" asked a puzzled pigtailed girl.
The second Tendo daughter laughed.
"Isn't it obvious, Ranma ? I said some pretty girls would be singing – we put their photos on the event's official website, that Akiko created for the occasion – and these girls will of course get some nice cash too… and the more spectators, the more cash… and the cuter the girls, the more spectators…" She winked. "Do you see where this is going now ?"
The Saotome daughter gulped.
"You… want me to sing at that karaoke ?"
Nabiki loudly clasped her hands, visibly beaming.
"Of course I do ! And I'm sure you'll be terrific ! You already took part in two karaoke's, if you remember, and you did more than great both times !"
She stopped and took a brief look at the redhead's current clothes.
"But you'll have to wear an appealing ensemble for this event, and not a Chinese outfit : after all, this karaoke is part of a birthday party, and one of my best friends' birthday, so… I want all performers to look… mmmmh… at their best ! I'm sure you understand."
She sniggered, and Ranma could tell that the business-minded girl was having fun exposing all this, but mostly observing her embarrassed interlocutor…
"I don't know…" replied the martial artist, clearly uneasy. "I've… sung only twice in front of an audience… and last time was long ago. I'm not sure I can make it."
The bob-cut woman didn't comment and merely stared at the pigtailed one.
"And…an appealing ensemble, you said ? But… not something… sexy, right ? Not too revealing ? Isn't it, Nabiki ?"
"You can choose whatever you want, as long as it's elegant and charming to the eye… and not too short of course. We want it classy, not vulgar or too suggestive." A pause. "So ? What do you say ?"
"I… uh… I guess… yes ?"
"Great !" exclaimed Nabiki, clasping her hands again, louder this time. "Now, let me just take a picture from you. I'll have to put it up on the website, and inform all our friends and their acquaintances that a new beauty, a red-haired beauty, will be singing as well… I'm sure you'll boost the ticket sales, my dear Ranma." (The latter cringed again) "But in order to get a good picture…" She opened a drawer and took out a small, black, flat case. "…we'll have to use make-up ! The best you look, the more audience we'll have, the more cash it will make and the more money you'll have at your disposal to help Ryoga !"
Ranma didn't look enthusiastic at all but forced herself to accept.
Gosh, what have I got myself into…! *inner sigh* But then again, I'm accepting this kind of "sacrifice" for the man I love, and I did say I would do anything to make him happy, so… I'll do my best !
/
Ranma arrived at THE RED PIG around 13:30 that Tuesday, for Ryoga's break. In her handbag was a sealed envelope, which she handed out to her beloved.
"I put as much as I could. And I'm working on getting more as soon as I can."
"Getting more ? But how will you do that, Ranma ? Please don't borrow money here and there : you'll end up with many debts and I refuse this to happen !"
"Don't worry, I'm not borrowing anything, but working on a personal project. It's a secret, so I alas can't tell you more, but just trust me, right ?"
"I do. And once again, I must thank you so very much for that help, Dearie." He jumped at his own word. "Woopsy, that came out without thinking !"
"That's fine, because it says how dear I am to you, and it makes me very happy. So keep using that word… Darling." She winked and smiled at him, before returning to the matter at hand. "Did your colleagues bring their own money this morning ? And do you know how much you have gathered altogether ? That way, we can determine the amount still missing."
He told her, then added the amount she had just brought him, and concluded : "That's almost 41'000. So we miss a bit more than 59'000."
Ranma nodded then lowered her gaze.
"I'm so sad that you have to go through all this, Sad and outraged. But I'll help you, as much as I can ! Because you're in my heart, Darling."
"And so are you, Dearie. You will never know how grateful I am to you, for your help, but mainly for your sweetness and care.
He hugged her tightly, gently resting his head on hers, and she returned it with all the tenderness and affection she was capable of.
Mmmmmmmh… I'll never get enough of those warm and tight hugs… of those strong arms holding me… protecting me…
Leaving him was all the more difficult – she already missed his arms… - but she knew she had a lot on her plate until Thursday evening.
So she quickly ran to a dress store whose owner was a friend's of Nabiki's (she would be present at the karaoke party) and purchased a nice red ensemble, getting a discount on the price courtesy of Nabiki's friendship.
This being done, she hurried back home and discretely made her way upstairs, to the third room on the left.
"Ah, there you are !" the mastermind of Thursday's event said with a grin. "I see you bought your outfit. May I see it ?"
Ranma nodded and handed over her bag.
"Very nice indeed !" exclaimed Nabiki as she admired the red top, red skirt and red heels that her friend in need had chosen for "her" show. "Did you get the discount ?"
"Yes, I did. Thanks again. And I chose the songs I want to perform."
"Good. I'll pass on the infos to the guy in charge of the karaoke, he'll program them for the end of the show."
Ranma understood what that meant.
"I'll… I'll go last ?" asked Ranma, suddenly concerned about waiting and waiting for her turn, and thus getting always more and more anxious as the time of her performance drew near.
"Yup. You'll be the grand finale. And since I posted your photo and asked my friends to spread the word about a gorgeous red-haired woman ending the show on a high note, I've noticed that the ticket sales on our website has taken off ! You're definitely attracting people to you, Ranma… mostly males, but not only. Consider the restaurant, and therefore Ryoga's job, as saved !"
"Nabiki… I don't know how to properly thank you and repay you for your precious help… I don't think I would have made it without you."
The clever brunette smirked.
"Just put on a great show for my "birthday bestie" in two days, and that will do. Oh, and maybe… maybe something else… I may have a question to ask you later on, and if you want to… repay me for my help, as you put it, you could just answer that question. I'm not asking for more."
The Saotome daughter slightly frowned.
"A question ? Which one ?"
But the brown-eyed female playfully shook her finger in front of the blue-eyed female's face.
"Uh-uh, not before Thursday. But don't be worried, it's not a nasty question. Just me being a tad curious, that's all. I'm sure it'll be fine. And now, please give me the songs' titles and performers, so that I can send those to the karaoke host, and please go practice the songs in your room. You must fully master them, Ranma : not only the words, but also the singing style. Everything is important. And even if the words will be displayed on a screen, for you to follow, you still must feel at ease with every song and know it by heart."
"Alright. I'll go practice them. Uh… is there anything else I have to do to prepare myself ?"
Nabiki thought for a few seconds.
"Well, I just thought I'd ask you to use make-up on Thursday. Nail polish and lipstick at least, if that's okay with you. I'll help you with all this. Would that be okay with you ?"
The redhead sighed.
"If I must… but after all, why not ? I'm the grand finale after all, so… I guess being seductive won't hurt…"
"That's the spirit, girl !" joyously exclaimed the event's mastermind. "Oh, and one last thing you should do to prepare yourself is… you've often been meditating with Ryoga lately right ? So, use this to master your stress and learn to relax. You'll need it, trust me !"
/
Wednesday came, and Ranma spent most of the day in her room, practicing the three songs she had chosen.
She initially had thought she'd only sing two, but then decided to make an effort… for Ryoga, but also for Nabiki, whose help would be decisive in saving the restaurant. They both deserved her to give her very best on that event, and she would give all she had !
Akane had come round and asked her what the matter was with all the singing, Ranma had replied that she was considering taking part in a karaoke, but without giving more details, notably about the reason of her doing so.
The future heir of the Tendo dojo couldn't help evoking Ranma's unusual behaviour when she was with her sisters, wondering what had come over her red-haired friend, who had never shown any interest in karaoke.
Kasumi remained perplexed and Nabiki perfectly played her part, shrugging with a convincing dunno-look at her younger sister. The bob-cut woman preferred not to disclose anything, as telling the family would draw them all to the party, which might adversely affect the performance of her "protégée" (2), paralyzing her on stage as she saw Akane and all the others in the audience…
Ranma, on her side, was not only learning the lyrics and the intonations of each song, but also working on her future presence on stage : she made believe she was holding a mike and moved to the music, used her hands and arms to make the whole thing more "lively", more convincing, and thus get more immerged into the performance. She wanted it to be as good, as enjoyable as possible for the audience… but also for her, more precisely for her self-esteem.
Time was unwinding slowly as two events were getting really close now : the karaoke party on Thursday…and Ryoga's birthday on Saturday.
/
Thursday, finally…
Late afternoon… with the sun gradually heading to the mountains… and a globally peaceful, if not mysterious, atmosphere…
Time seemed to have slowed down.
As sharp contrast to the calm setting outside, the redhead was on edge ! It was definitely one of her most stressful experiences !
Gosh, what if I'm paralyzed by the crowd ! What if I lose all confidence at the last moment ! What if no sound comes out of my mouth…
She couldn't help sharing these fears with Nabiki, who gently smiled at her as she carefully applied the red colour on the nails of the future singer.
"Relax, Ranma. Remember about your meditation sessions. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Chase doubts away. I'm sure you'll do fine. I have faith in you. Don't look directly at the audience, because it has the same effect as looking down in altitude : it scares big time ! Focus on the screen, on the lyrics… but don't be too focused either, because you have to make your presence alive, not frozen. You must move a bit, make some little gestures every now and then… you can even take a few steps on the stage, if you want to. But whatever you do, trust yourself !"
They currently were in Akiko's house, as the second Tendo daughter preferred to have the last preparations – make-up, dressing up - made out of home, to avoid any questions from Akane or any other family member.
As Nabiki spoke to her and did her best to comfort her, Ranma had been inhaling and exhaling slower, in order to calm down her racing heart, as she listened to her "mentor of the evening", and after two or three minutes, she reopened her eyes and set them on her friend, who was gently blowing on the redhead's polished nails.
"Thank you, Nabiki. Really."
"Don't mention it. My pleasure. Now for the lipstick…"
Once the lips of the petite woman were also covered in a warm colour, the brunette took the redhead to the huge and tall mirror in Akiko's bedroom.
"Look at you, Ranma… and tell me you aren't gorgeous !"
And the pigtailed beauty was short of breath as she intensely stared at her indeed most charming reflection.
Is that really me ? I can hardly recognize myself. That's… troubling… but in a nice way…
Now they was only one way to make it absolutely perfect : it was… to make her voice just as beautiful as he outfit and make-up.
Easier said than done…
… but possible !
"Shall we go ?" asked Nabiki as she offered her hand, for Ranma to take (she looked pretty good herself, in her black ensemble, formal jacket and knee-length skirt, also red nails, but a simple lip gloss instead of a coloured lipstick).
The splendid yet nervous red-haired lady swallowed her saliva and gave a quick, anxious nod, before taking the brunette's hand.
/
She listened to all the other performers, and found that they really had nice voice… which did nothing to comfort her, of course.
Would she be up to the task ?
Nabiki, sensing the infamous "stomach butterflies", squeezed her shoulder.
Ranma looked at her and appreciated the reassuring smile she was offered.
"You'll be great and outdo them all. I remember your singing on those two previous karaoke's : it was stunning and everyone was under the spell. You'll make it, Ranma."
"And… if I... if in the end, I can't ? If I'm too nervous to do it and leave the stage ? I'm haunted by that thought… but I desperately need that money ! For Ryoga ! He's happy in this job, and I want him to keep on being happy ! I must gather as much as I can, to help him ! I have no right to fail… and yet I'm so nervous…"
"Well… if you can't make it and instead come back straight down here… I'll still give you the share you would have got if you had sung." The blue-eyed female goggled et her. "Yes, I will give you your money, Ranma. I know you need it, and you'll have it. Simply, I'll ask for your participation in another event or help me out for something else. No big deal."
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, OUR KARAOKE IS SLOWLY COMING TO ITS END…"
Ranma gulped.
"It's my turn…"
"…SO FOR THE LAST SET OF SONGS, WILL YOU PLEASE WELCOME…
Nabiki grinned at her and squeezed her hand tightly.
"You'll be great ! Trust me, you will ! Go, Ranma !"
"…OUR FINAL SINGER OF THE EVENING : MISS RANMAAAA !"
"Thank you Nabiki ! A lot !"
To which the other smiled wide and winked.
She slowly made her way to the stage and approached the mike.
There were so many people down there ! Countless heads were raised at her ! A multitude of bodies were pressed against each other, leaving little free space in the large room !
How many spectators could there possibly be ?!
It was very impressive, to say the least… and triggered more tension.
"Good evening, everybody…" she almost shyly said, forcing a smile on her lips, feeling so small before the ocean of staring eyes.
Silence filled the room.
Nobody felt like talking.
All were too stunned by that red angel gracing the stage with her splendid, outshining presence. And red was indeed definitely her colour, that evening : her top and skirt, her shoes, her nails, her lips, her hair… it was a blazing festival of red ! The only colour that stood apart – but that the audience couldn't make up – was the blue of her eyes, like tiny lakes in a reddening forest in the heart of autumn.
She closed those blue eyes, to avoid getting too nervous from the sight of the crowd, put her right hand on the mike and, like Nabiki had told her, raised her left index finger to indicate she was ready.
The music started.
She reopened her eyes and fixed her blue stare on the screen.
Her mouth opened…
…and with that simple movement, the magic got unleashed.
« When you were here before
Couldn't look you in the eye
You're just like an angel…
Ranma inwardly ordered herself to relax, ensured herself that it would go well.
And it did, oh yes, it definitely did !
She began making little gestures to accompany the words, just like she had been practising in her room.
…But I'm a creep
I'm a weirdo
What the hell am I doing here?
I don't belong here…
She sang with always more conviction, keeping in mind that she was doing all this for the man she loved, and that nothing was more worth than the happiness of your loved one(s).
In the audience, nobody breathed a word, nobody whispered anything to anybody else, silence was absolute.
Just like Nabiki had said, she had put them under her spell.
She uttered the two final verses with so much emotion that several were crying or started to cry at that very moment :
…I don't belong here…
I don't belong here. »
Thom, Jonny, Colin, Ed and Philip would have been proud.
As she finished, a thunder of applause shook the room, with many screams of approvals and whistles.
She humbly bowed and looked all around the room, marvelling at the intensity and the length of the clapping.
I can't believe it ! I just can't ! How did I do that ?
After more than a minute of applause, silence gradually returned…
…Ranma this time didn't close her eyes, but took a deep breath…
…raised her left index finger, and…
« Welcome to your life
There's no turning back
Even while we sleep
We will find you
This second hit was a happy one, a pop song full of energy, and the red-haired beauty adapted to it by moving more, making more gestures, singing with more dynamism, fully getting into the mood of the song.
…Help me make the most
Of freedom and of pleasure
Nothing ever lasts forever
Everybody wants to rule the world…
She swayed, pointed her finger at the crowd, shook said finger at them when the lyrics repeated the word 'never' (Say that you'll never never never never need it), moved her head in rhythm, shook her fist in the air at some point, and concluded the song by making a large opening movement of her arms as she once again pronounced the title :
…Everybody wants to rule the world ! »
Roland and Curt would have been proud.
This time, the applause doubled, the screams and the whistles got louder the clapping lasted longer.
It was an absolute success !
Ranma bowed twice this time, feeling her heart jump with joy in her chest.
Not only will I manage to help Ryoga save his job, but I'll also have a pretty nice success as a would-be singer ! Incredible ! Totally incredible !
It took a longer while for the applause to recede, and once it finally did…
…she smiled wide at the audience, which she embraced in a quick panoramic look…
… raised her finger for the third and last time that evening…
… and emotion began slowly flooding the room.
« Is it getting better
Or do you feel the same?
Will it make it easier on you, now
You got someone to blame ?
Ranma wrapped both hands around the mike and put all of her heart into her singing, even closing her eyes several times, as she knew the words by heart.
She was so touching, so very touching as her voice reached an unsuspected softness, an invisible caress to the ear.
…Have you come here for forgiveness ?
Have you come to raise the dead ?
Have you come here to play Jesus
To the lepers in your head ?
People were mesmerized, and many eyes couldn't remain dry as hearts filled with the purest emotion.
Ranma remained mostly still for this final song, because it was a sad, moving one, and required sobriety, measure, calm. But while she scarcely moved, she did move people… a lot!
Crying faces could be seen in many places of the audience, even some male faces.
The red angel had touched the most sensitive strings of their hearts.
…One love, one blood
One life, you got to do what you should
One life with each other
Sisters, brothers
One life, but we're not the same
We get to carry each other, carry each other
One
One »
And when Bono sang on top of his voice, at the very end, so did the petite woman alone in the centre of the big stage. She was carried away with the beauty, the emotion of this moving song and got completely lost in it, becoming one with that melody, with those lyrics…
Paul, David, (3) Adam and Larry would have been proud.
When finally her mouth closed, making that spellbinding voice disappear, Ranma had her eyes shut, tears slowly rolling down her lovely face, heart beating so loud… but she was incredibly happy. For Ryoga, first and foremost, goes without saying… but also for her.
The cheering reached unexpected heights of loudness (God knows the level of decibels in there at that moment…!), with a deafening concert of clapping, screams, congrats, whistles. At least half if not two thirds of the audience either had watery eyes or were profusely crying, yet most of the people were smiling wide – weeping AND smiling simultaneously – but all, all were very very happy, just like their wonderful performer up there, so small on that so big stage.
The redhead bowed thrice, arms joined together in front of her legs, then put her left hand over her heart to show her emotion, and kept on enjoying the praise she was getting.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, MISS RANMAAAAA !"
Hearing this, a large part of the public started repeatedly chanting her name, the volume of the surrounding noise not decreasing any little bit.
Ranma wanted to say something, but given that there was still such a din in front of her, she hesitated…
…then summoned her courage, opened her mouth wide and…
"I WANT TO DEDICATE THESE THREE SONGS TO MY DEAR FRIEND RYOGA, WHEREVER HE IS. MAY HE ALWAYS BE SAFE AND HAPPY ! GOOD EVENING TO YOU ALL, AND THANK YOU, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT !"
She had screamed as loud as she was able to, hoping they could make out what she was saying, but what was sure is that the racket's loudness increased even more once she had finished.
She slowly retreated, waving her hand at the crowd several times, and returned backstage.
Nabiki was standing close by… and the acclaimed performer instantly noticed her wet eyes.
The "manager" of the event grabbed the singer's hand and squeezed it tightly.
"Ranma… I'll just say a few words to the audience, but I'll be quick… just wait for me…"
Eyes shining bright, grinning wide, she rapidly reached the mike where her friend had gained such a huge success that evening.
"Ladies and gentlemen, if you enjoyed that karaoke party, please put a few bills for the performers in the large red box on the right of this stage !" she loudly spoke up, extending her arm in that direction, red nail pointing at red box. "Thanks a lot for your generosity, for your presence and support, have a good evening and see you soon !"
Nabiki bowed, hurried backstage…
…and almost jumped at the star of the evening !
"Ranma ! Oh Ranma, what a performance ! You were incredible ! Wonderful ! Didn't I tell you that you had a gorgeous voice ?"
Ranma appreciated the tight hug her friend was giving her, and returned it with just as much emotion.
"You did, yes, and I was wrong to doubt. Thank you so very much, Nabiki !"
"Don't mention it. You really got involved into your performance and were absolutely perfect ! I rarely ever cry… but you managed to make me, and that's no small feat ! Congratulations, Ranma !"
The latter almost felt like blushing.
Then a most pleasant thought surfaced into her mind.
Ryoga is saved ! I know it ! He's saved ! Oh God, I'm so happy tonight ! Ryoga… I miss you… so much…
After a long hug, they parted and the brunette's eyes almost sparkled as she said :
"How about a little drink to celebrate this ? My treat !"
The pigtailed woman hesitated.
She rarely ever drank, and had not since she had decided to remain female.
"Well…"
"Come on, please !" almost begged the brown-eyed Tendo sister, visibly thrilled.
"I guess I can't refuse, eh…"
"No, that's true, you can't !"
And keeping Ranma's hand firmly in hers, she dragged her protégée away with a joyous laughter…
/
As the car stopped by the Tendo residence, a tipsy redhead climbed out with a slight effort and put her hand on the roof, to keep her balance : she felt so light-headed that she dreaded she would fall without support !
The bob-cut female – and one-time manager, so to speak – got out behind her, turned around, put a hand on Ranma's back and bent down to the inside of the vehicle :
"Thanks for everything, Akiko ! And for this ride home ! I'll drop by tomorrow around 8:30 to collect the cash, okay ? Please write the total on a piece of paper."
"All good, Nab' ! Good night to you both… oh, and… Ranma ?"
The latter had her eyes closed and looked like she was sleeping standing.
"Hey, Ranma…" Nabiki gently put her hand on the singer's shoulder, making her open her eyes slowly. "Akiko wants to tell you something."
The pigtailed female slowly bent down and focused her faltering attention on the driver.
"I just wanted to congratulate you again for your amazing performance ! It was awesome, and Sakura (4) told me she had absolutely loved it !"
Ranma frowned.
Sakura ? Sakura… Oh yeah, the girl for whom that karaoke party was organized…
"You're…welcome. And tell… uh… Sakura happy birthday… for me !"
"I will ! Goodnight, girls !"
Akiko drove away and Nabiki slipped her arm right under Ranma's, helping her to walk home.
"Eh eh, I didn't think you'd end up that merry ! But hey, you only live once, right ? So better make the most of every special occasion ! I know a certain redhead who will sleep sound…"
"Y-Yeah… for sure…"
As it was pretty late, almost all had gone to bed, the only one still up at that being…
"Hey, Kasumi !" Nabiki greeted the firstborn.
"Where have you been ?" asked the housekeeper.
"Oh, just having some fun. I'll explain you. I didn't tell you before because…" She didn't want family members to come watch Ranma's show and possibly unsettle her, thus "damaging" the performance and the whole show. "Well, I'll explain you."
Kasumi didn't insist and let the two night owls (somewhat laboriously) get upstairs.
The brunette led the redhead to her room and gently sat her down.
"Do you need help to undress ?"
Feeling so very tired, the star of the evening didn't have enough strength to reply and merely shook her head.
"Alright. I will just remove your lipstick then, or else you'll-
"No… tomorrow… I need to sleep… right now…" drowsily muttered the tipsy singer.
"Okidoki… but don't complain if the quilt gets all red !" A chuckle. "I wish you a good night then. And bravo once again, Ranma. You've been absolutely wonderful tonight. You can be proud of you ! I am !"
"Th-Thanks… for everything… Nabiki…"
Both hugged again for a while, then the brunette left the room.
The Saotome daughter took a bit of time to take off her clothes, then she collapsed on her bed, muttering as she drifted to sleep :
"So happy… that you're… saved… Ryoga… I… love you… so much… so much…"
/
Author's notes :
Santé Bar : "Santé" is the French word for "Cheers !", so I thought it an appropriate name for a… bar ! ;P
Protégée : this word also comes from my mother tongue and refers to a young female artist who is guided in her career by an experimented mentor helping her to become famous, and Ranma is a tad like Nabiki's protégée in this chapter, with the latter giving the former lotta advice to ensure a great performance (but without any career for Ranma after… ;P)
Paul, David : these are Paul Hewson and David Evans. Ever heard of those guys ? ;)
Sakura : as I was trying to find a firstname for the "birthday girl" of this chapter, I remembered my kids' keen interest for NARUTO, and so…
Right. Better than last chapter, I'd say. Bu still kinda long (damn Russian writers… ^^')…
So that karaoke sequence was inspired by MAGIC AND MUSHROOMS, by illori leene (check out final notes of chapter 4 (numbered 5 here), SAVE THE CHEF, where I referred to that great story) : in it, there's a part where Ranma sings on stage and displays amazing vocal skills, but the context is very different (Ranma wears a fancy outfit, has been blackmailed by Nabiki, is pregnant, ends up fighting Mousse, and there's no Ryoga related in a way or another to that performance). I therefore credit this author for the inspiration for this chappy.
As for the songs, you know I don't own the rights, so… Oh, and Radiohead is one of my favourite bands (kinda music geniuses), with KID A and IN RAINBOWS being my fav's ! Any Radiohead fans round here ?
Nabiki plays an important part in this chappy, and I chose to make her an ally here, instead of an opportunist who might blackmail Ranma into singing for her and help her make money (you'll see in next chapter that Nabiki's relation to money has evolved, and that the girl has matured, just like Ranma, Ryoga and Akane). Truthfully, I'm kinda lukewarm about her character in the anime : she's clever and I like her ironic lines, but plainly loathe her materialistic, opportunistic side (frenetic moneymaking, getting offered things by boys she doesn't like (e.g. Kuno), blackmailing in some episodes…). I despise all that. So I wanted to make her more sympathetic and more respectful of Ranma, without any back thought, right in the line of this OoC story.
Oh, and at first, I didn't plan to make Ranma tipsy at the end, but thought that, after all, she had done great and deserved to celebrate it properly… in fact, it's not that she drank much, but rather that she is lightweight, in terms of alcohol, as she is obviously not used to it and therefore gets tipsy with 2 drinks already ! ^^
Well, shouldn't I put that final dot, eh ? You bet ! So, with all thanks and gratitude to those supporting this fic', in a way or another, I wish you all a pleasant life ! And if the sun isn't in the sky, hopefully it's in your hearts, coz that's where it's needed the most !
Take care, B happy, TTYL ! :D
) LEO (
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